Ironing machine operating mechanism



May 26, 1964 L. E. SCHRADER 3,134,181

IRONING MACHINE OPERATING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 13, 1961 8 Sheets-Sheet 1v A. INVENTOR.

Xarerr zf 562/41 7- May 26, 196 1.. E. SCHRADER IRONING MACHINEOPERATING MECHANISM 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 15, 1961 HQ .wm N F m wM 5 I i 5: :2 NA F A \N x W M N. M 4% R R %o \1. wqw

May 26, 1964 E. SCHRADER 3,134,181

IRONING MACHINE OPERATING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 13, 1961 8 Sheets-Sheet 4y 26, 1954 L. E. SCHRADER 3,134,181

IRONING MACHINE OPERATING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 13, 1961 8 Sheets-Sheet 5IN V EN TOR. Zara .Z, SE-2740797! OYNI/sf May 26, 1964 L. E. SCHRADER3,134,181

IRONING MACHINE OPERATING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 13', 1961 8 Sheets-Sheet6 BY I E May 26, 1964 1.. E. SCHRADER IRONING MACHINE OPERATINGMECHANISM 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Feb. 13, 1961 United States Patent O3,134,181 IRONING MACHINE OPERATING MECHANISM Loren E. Schrader, MountClemens, Mich assignor to lronrite, Inc., Mount Clemens, Mich, acorporation of Michigan Feb. '13, 1961, Ser. No. 88,768

Filed 11 Claims. (Cl. 3859) ent invention is applicable comprise aheated stationary ironing shoe and a rotatable ironing roll which ismovable to and from an inoperative position spaced from the ironing shoeand an operative or ironing position in contact therewith.conventionally, ironing machines of this type employ one or more kneecontrols which are actuable by the operator for controlling the rotationof the roll and the movement thereof toand from the operative andinoperative positions whereby both of the operators hands are free tomanipulate the articles to be ironed or pressed.

Rotation and movement of the roll to and from the operative andinoperative positions is accomplished by a suitable drive mechanismemploying two clutches or other suitable mechanical engaging anddisengaging devices which are mechanically linkedto the knee controls toachieve the desired operation. One of these clutch mechanisms onengagement for a predetermined interval is effective to cause the rollto move to and, from the operative and inoperative position. The otherclutch mechanism is effective on disengagement to stop the rotation ofthe roll to enable a pressing operation to be performed between the rolland ironing shoe. In order to assure smooth and positive engagement anddurable operation of these clutch mechanisms, it is necessary that theybe of a relatively complex design and made of durable materials and thatthe actuation thereof by the knee controls .be achieved through a smoothand precise functioning connecting linkage.

In accordance with control mechanism comprising the present invention, asimplification of the drive mechanism has been achieved including theelimination of one of the clutch mechanisms and concurrently providingfor simpler and easier control of the ironing machine operatingfunctions by the operator.

It is, accordingly, a primary object of the present invention to providean improved ironing machine control mechanism which is of simpler designand operation than ironing machine control mechanisms-heretofore known.

Another object of the present invention is to provide animprovediironing machine control. mechanism which enables elimination ofcomplex and costly elements in the drive mechanism and mechanicaloperating linkage and which concurrently provides for improved selectivecontrol of the same functions heretofore provided in machines of similartypes I p j Y Still another object of thepresent invention is to provideanimproved ironingmachine control mechanism including a simplethree-position foot control pedal which is conveniently located andreadily accessible to the opera tor and which, through a simpleelectrical circuit and electricalactuators, is effective to providepositive and smooth selective operation of the ironing machine. I v 4 Afurther object of the present invention. is toprovide an improvedironing machine control and'drive'mechanism which are of simple, desigmeconomical construction, and positive, smooth, and. durable operation.

' The foregoing andother objects and atlvantagesof the present inventionare achieved by a three-position foot p 3,134,181 Ice Patented May 26,1964 control pedal incorporating switch means therein which is readilypositionable by the operators foot to an Olfposition wherein the drivemechanism is deenergized; to an Intermediate-position wherein theironing roll rotates and is selectively movable to and from aninoperative position and an ironing position; and a third orPress-position wherein rotation of the ironing roll is stopped whileagainst the ironing shoe providing for a pressing operation. Selectivemovement of the ironing roll to and from the ironing position andinoperative position is achieved by a clutch mechanism actuable byelectrical actuating means such as a solenoid in response to selectiveoperation of the three-position foot control pedal. Deenergization ofthe clutch actuating means and resultant disen gagement of the clutchmechanism is achieved by switching means operable in response to themovement of the ironing roll to assure attainment of the appropriateironing position and inoperative position of the roll relative to theironing shoe. By use of the three-position foot control pedal,deenergization of the drive mechanism during the press operationobviates the use of complex clutch mechanisms and control linkagesheretofore employed to achieve stoppage of the ironing roll whenapressing operation is desired.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a typical ironing machine to which thepresent invention is applicable;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevation view partly in section of theironing machine shown in FIGURE 1- and illustrating the movement of theironing roll to and from ,the inoperative position and the ironingposition;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially along line3-3 of FIG. 2 through the ironing-roll and supporting arms mounted on arear supporting column containing the drive mechanism for rotating theroll and moving the roll to and from the ironing position andinoperative position;

FIG. 4 is aside elevation view of a typical three-position foot pedalswitching means, and illustrating the three positions thereof;

FIG. Sis a longitudinal, vertical sectional view ofthe foot pedal shownin FIG. 4 and showing the relationship of the switching means andtwo-step resilient means incorporated therein; I

FIG. 6 is a schematic wiring diagram of the control circuit of theironing machine; FIG. 7 is a fragmentary front elevation view partly insection illustrating one clutch mechanism for achieving selectivemovement of the ironing roll;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side elevation view partly in section of theclutch mechanism shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevation view partly in section with partseliminated for clarity of another component of the clutchrnechanismshown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of anjalternate satisfactoryclutch mechanism for achieving selective movement of the ironing roll toand from the ironing position and inoperative position; I I

FIG. 11 is a-perspective view of a key employed in the clutch mechanismshown in FIG. 10;

FlG. 12 is a fragmentary sideelevationview of the rear portion of theclutch mechanism shown inFIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective View of a cam ring employed in the clutchmechanism shown in FIG. 10; v

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sideelevation view partly in section showing animproved configuration of the eccentric cam and a cam follower thereonemployed for lifting and lowering the ironing roll;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary front elevation view partly in section of stillanother alternate clutch mechanism for FIG. 17 is a fragmentary sideelevation view partly insection of the configuration of the eccentriccam having a cam follower thereon connected to an arm employed forlifting and lowering the ironing roll;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view partly in section of still anotheralternate satisfactory clutch mechanism and actuating means forproviding selective movement of the ironing roll to and from the ironingposition and inoperative position;

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the operating components ofthe clutch mechanism shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view partly in section of the assembledclutch mechanism as shown in FIG. 19 and coacting with an actuator rodwhich is disposed in the normal or inoperative position;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary side elevation view partly in section of theclutch mechanism shown in FIG. 20 with the actuator rod in the operativeposition for causing engagement of the clutch mechanism;

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view of amechanism for tripping the trip switch responsive to movement of theeccentric cam for regulating the movement of the ironing roll to andfrom the ironing position and the inoperative position; and

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary elevation view partly in section of stillanother alternate satisfactory mechanism for tripping the trip switchresponsive to movement of the eccentric cam.

' Referring now in detail to the drawings as may be best seen in FIGURES1 to 3, a typical ironing machine or ironer 3% to which the presentinvention is applicable, comprises a supporting frame including a table32 supported by apair of side sections 34- which are rigidified by-across member 36 extending therebetween, The ironing mechanism is mountedon the table 32 and includes a stationary shoe 38 incorporating thereininternal heating elements (not shown) which is mounted on a front column40 extending upwardly from the table 32. An adjustable. feed board 42extends along the forward edge of the stationary shoe 38 to facilitatemanipulation of the articles to be ironed. The appropriate temperatureof the heated stationary shoe 38 can be controlled by a suitablethermostat including a knob 44 mounted on the front column 40 withinconvenient access of the operator.

A rear column or gear housing 46 is secured to the table 32 at the rearside thereof and rotatably supports a tube 48 which extends lengthwiseand longitudinally of the stationary shoe 38. At its ends, the tube 48is provided with a pair of upwardly and forwardly inclined arms 50, 52between which an ironing roll 54 is rotatably and drivingly supported atits ends. The left end of the roll 54 as viewed in FIG. 3, is providedwith a stub shaft 56 which is rotatably journaled in a bearing 58' inthe arm 50. The right end of the roll 54 as viewed in FIG. 3 is providedwith a drive shaft 60 fixedly secured thereto and rotatably journaled ina bearing 62. A suitable gear or sprocket 64 is splined to theprojecting shank end portion of the drive shaft 60 which is enclosed inthe arm 52.

Rotation of the roll 54 about its own axis is achieved by a drivemechanism contained within the housing as and including an electricdrive motor 66 having a drive pinion 68 on the output shaft thereofwhich, through a suitable drive mechanism which will be subsequentlyshown and described in detail, isnefiective to transmit torque to adrive gear 70 disposed in'rneshing relationship with an idler gear 72which in turn is disposed in meshing relationship with a driven gear 74.The driven gear 74 is affixed to the end of a shaft 76 rotatablyjournaled within the tube 48. The shank end portion of the shaft 76 isprovided with a drive gear or sprocket 78 affixed thereto which isdrivingly connected to the gear or sprocket 64 mounted on the roll 54.

The rotational drive supplied to the shaft 76 is transmitted to the roll54 by a suitable chain or belt drive, or as in the exemplary embodimentshown in FIG. 3, through a series of idler gears 80 in the arm 52 anddisposed in constant meshing relationship with the gear 78 and the gear64. In accordance with the drive arrangement as hereinbefore described,the motor 66 is effective to drive the roll 54 at a preselected speed toachieve optimum ironing characteristics when the roll is in the ironingposition against the stationary shoe 33.

Movement of the roll 54 to and from an operative or ironing position asshown in solid lines in FIG. 2 to a raised or an inoperative position asshown in phantom is achieved by the coaction between a spring arm 82having one end thereof affixed to the tube 48 and the other end thereofdisposed in sliding engagement with the periphery of a rotatable memberor eccentric cam 84 as may be best seen in FIG. 2. To minimize slidingfriction between the eccentric cam 84 and the spring arm 82, a suitablecam follower or roller 86 as shown in FIG. 3, may be incorporated at theend of the spring arm 82 and disposed in rolling engagement with theperiphery of the eccentric cam $4. The roll 54 is biased toward theraised or inoperative position by means of a coil spring 88 as shown inFIG. 3, which extends between the housing 46 and a pin secured to thetube 48. Accordingly, when the spring arm 82 is disposed on the highside of the eccentric cam $54 as shown in FIG. 2, the roll 54 ismaintained in the ironing position in opposition to the coil spring 88.Rotation of the eccentric cam Sdto the position shown in phantom in FIG.2, enables the coil spring 83 to lift the roll from the ironing positionto the raised position, whereby the operator can remove an article beingironed or pressed. Lifting and lowering of the roll 54 responsive torotation of the eccentric cam can also be achieved by slidably couplingthe end of the arm 82 to the periphery of the cam, obviating the use ofthe tension spring 853.

The eccentric cam 84 is rigidly afiixed to a tubular member 90 rotatablymounted on a shaft 92 extending transversely of the housing 46. Througha suitable clutch mechanism the tubular member 90 is selectivelyengageable with the principal drive mechanism of the ironing machine soas to cause a rotation of the eccentric cam 84 whereby the roll is movedto and from the raised position and the ironing position. A suitablerelease mechanism is also conventionally incorporated in mac lines ofthis general type to enable raising the roll independently of theposition of the eccentric cam 84- in the event of a general powerfailure'so as to enable the operator to extract an article from betweentheroll and stationary shoe. Since an understanding of the releasemechanism is not necessary for an understanding of the presentinvention, a description thereof has been omitted.

It will be apparent from the preceding description that the operatingfunctions of the ironing machine'comprise movement of the 101154 to andfrom the raised position and the ironing position and the selectiverotation of the roll about its own axis. The ironing operation isaccomplished by lowering-the roll 54 against the stationary shoe 38 andfeeding articles to be ironed between the stationary shoe and therotating roll. A" pressing operation is achieved by maintaining the rollstationary while in contact'with an article disposed between the rolland station ary shoe. In ironing machines heretofore'known, the raisingand lowering of the roll ,was achieved by a first clutch mechanismcontrolled by a first knee control and selective deenergization of therotation of the roll was achieved by a second knee control ortwo-position first knee control operative tov selectively disengage asecond clutch mechanism enabling fa pressing operation. By virtue of theunique control mechanism comprising the present invention, the secondclutching mechanism has,

been eliminated with a concurrent simplification of the drive mechanismand control mechanisms, and providing smooth, positive and simplecontrol of the ironing machine.

The improved control mechanism comprising the pres ent inventionincludes a three-position foot pedal 94 which can be convenientlylocated as shown in, FIGURE 1 on a supporting plate 96 afiixed to theside partition 34 and cross member 36 where it is readily accessible tomanipulation by the operators foot. The foot pedal 94 is electricallyconnected to the control system and drive mechanism by means of aconductor 98 extending upwardly therefrom through the machine frame.

The foot pedal 94, as may be best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, comprises acup-shaped base 100 having a pivotable pedal member 162 pivotallymounted thereon by means of a screw or a pin 164; The foot pedal 94 isshown in FIGS. 4 and 5 in solid lines in the normal or off positionwherein the electric motor 66 is deenergized and the drive mechanism isstationary. The pedal member 192 is biased toward the off position by acompression spring 166 extending between the base member 160 and pedalmember 162. The depression of the pedal member 162 to the ironingposition as shown in FIG. 4 and in opposition to the coil spring 166, iseffective to actuate ironing switch S1 and energize the electric motor66 whereby the roll 54 commences to rotate and moves from theinoperative position to the ironing position. Energization of theelectric motor 66 is accomplished by means of the wiring diagramschematically shown in FIG. 6, responsive to the actuation of ironingswitch S1, which is tripped by the inner surface of the pedal member 102during its movement from the off position to the ironing position.Movement of the pedal member 162 beyond the ironing position isresiliently restrained by a second compression springltlS which oncontact with the pedal member 162, provides a distinct stop point, whichis readily discernible to the operators foot. Further depression of thepedal. member 102 from the ironing position to the press position is effective to trip press switchS2 disposed within the foot pedal 94 which,on actuation, is effective to deenergize the motor 6.6 in accordancewith the control circuitshown in FIG. 6 stopping rotation of the rolland providing for a press operation. A typical operating sequence of theironing machine as controlled by the foot pedal 94 will now be describedwith particular reference to the wiring diagram shown in FIG. 6. Theironing machine circuit is energized by inserting a plug 110 into asuitable electrical outlet whereby conductors L1 and L2 are energized. Aheating element 112 disposed in the stationary shoe of the ironingmachine heats to a presettable temperature as established by the settingof a variable thermostat 114. With the roll 54 in the raised positionand the motor 66v deenergized, the foot pedal is depressed from the otfposition to the ironing position, whereby switch S1 ly open contact 81-1and opening its normally closed contact 51-2 whereby electrical energypasses from conductor L1 through normally closed contact 82-1, contact51-1, and energizes the electric motor 66. Simultaneously, the clutchmechanism for lowering the ironing roll from the inoperative position tothe ironing position is engaged by an actuating solenoid 116 which isenergized through contacts 82-1, 51-1 and normally closed contact 83-2.Accordingly, the roll commences to rotate and move downwardly toward theironing position. Before attaining the fully downward or ironingposition, a trip limit switch S3 is actuated responsive to the movementof the ironing roll which opens its normally closed contact 83-2deenergizing the solenoid 116 and closes its normally open contact 83-1.The motor 66 remains energized. Deactuation of the solenoid 116 enablesthe clutch mechanism to mechanically disengage when the ironing rollattains the appropriate position.

In the event a pressing operation is desired wherein 6 rotation of-theroll is stopped, the foot pedal 94 is depressed from the ironingposition to the press position during which movement press switchv S2 isactuated which opens its normally closed contact S2-1, deenergizing themotor 66 whereby rotation of the roll stops.

Ironing operation can be again achieved simply by partially releasingthe foot pedal to enable its movement from the press position to theironing position whereby press switch S2 is released enabling its'contact 82-1 to close whereby the motor 66 is again energized throughcontacts 52-1, 81-1 causing the. roll to; rotate.

At the completion of the ironing or pressing of an article, the footpedal 94 is released enabling it to move to itsoff' position wherebyironing switch S1 is released opening its contact 81-1 and closing thecontact S1 -2 whereby the solenoid 116 is again actuated throughcontacts 82-1, S3-1 and 81-2, which causes the clutch mechanism toreengage whereby the roll is movedfrom the ironing position toward theinoperative position. The electric motor 66 remains energized throughclosed contacts 82-1,

and 83-1. At apreselected' point of the travel of the roll between the.ironing position and the inoperative position the trip limit switch S5-is released opening its contact 83-1 and closing its contact 53-2, whichsimultaneously deenergi'zes the electric motor 66 andv thesolenoid 116.In this position the control circuit is in the condition shown in FIG. 6and the ironing roll is stationary and in the fully raised positionpreparatory to the next ironing or pressing operation.

7 The ease of control provided by the control mechanism comprising thepresent invention and the resultant simplification of the drivemechanism enabled thereby constitute distinct advantages over thecontrol mechanisms heretofore. employed on ironing machines of similartype. A satisfactory clutch mechanism adapted to be actuated by thesolenoid..116 to achieve movement of the roll to is actuated closing itsnormaland from the raised and lowered positionsincludes the variousclutch mechanisms hereinafter shown and described. In addition,actuation of the trip limit switch 8-3 can be achieved in either oneof anumber of ways as illustrated in' the exemplary embodiments of thisinvention as shown in ,the drawings responsive to movement of the roll'toarld from the raised and lowered. positions. Regardless of thespecific clutch mechanism employed, the basic drive mechanism of theironingfmachine is essentially the same as shown in FIGURES 1 tov 3 andthe operating functions and wiring diagram are substantially the same asheretofore described in, connection with FIG. 6. v

One satisfactory clutch mechanism, is illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9 whichis similar to theclutch mechanism described in detail in. United States.Patent 2,956,356which hasbeen assigned to the, same assignee as thepresent invention. The clutch mechanism is of a planetary gear type andis adapted to. be disposed in the housing 46 of the ironing machinev asshown in FIG. 3 and is drivingly connected to the. elect-ric motor 66 bya suitable gear train. The rotational drive from the; electric motor istransmitted to a gear 118 mounted on. a tubular gearmember 120 which isrotatably mounted on a. shaft 92a extending transversely of the housing4-6. A gear 7% correspondingv to the gear 70. in FIG. 3 is affixedto-thetubular gear memher 120 and in turn is disposed in meshingrelationship with a series of idler gears ,in accordance with the rollrotation drive mechanism shown in FIG. 3. i The opposite end of thetubular gearmember-120 is provided with a series of gear teeth 122forming therewith a sun gear 1.24asm'ay be best seen in FIG. 9 which isdisposed inmeshing relationship. with three planet gears 126. Theplanet. gears 126 in turn mesh with an internal gear 128 formed alongtheinside of a ring gear 130 which is disposed concentric with the shaft92a and is maintained in appropriate axial alignment by means-ofthe gear118 on one side anda planet carrier 132 on the other. The planet carrier132 is fixedly secured to a tubular member 98a on which the eccentriccam 84a is mounted for raising and lowering the roll. Each of the piniongears 126 is rotatably mounted on a stub shaft 134 afiixed to the planetcarrier 132. The periphery of the planet carrier 132 is provided withtwo semi-circular indentations 136 for the purposes hereinafter to bedescribed which are disposed substantially 180 from each other.

The sun gear 124, the planet gears 126, and the ring gear 131 constitutea planetary clutch assembly which on selective engagement is effectiveto rotate the tubular member 913a and eccentric cam 84a thereon 180 toeffect a raising or lowering of the roll. When in the disengagedcondition, rotation of the sun gear 124 causes the ring gear 130 torotate in the opposite direction through the coaction of the planetarygear 126. The planet carrier 132, tubular member 90a, and eccentric cam34a thereon remain stationary. By restraining the ring gear 130 fromrotating, the sun gear 124 is effective to cause the planetary gears 126and carrier to rotate whereby the eccentric cam 84a rotates causing theroll to move to and from the raised position and lowered position.

The restraint of the ring gear 136 from'rotation is achieved by anactuating fork or yoke 138 which is afiixed to a shaft 141) rotatablyjournaled on the side wall of the housing 46. The projecting end of theshaft 141) extending beyond the side wall of the housing 46 is providedwith an actuating lever 142 having the end thereof connected to aplunger 144 of a solenoid 116a. The plunger 144 is resiliently biasedtoward a projected position and the actuating lever 142 is biased in acounterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 8 by means of a tensionspring 146' extending between the plunger and a pin 143 on the side wallof the housing 46.

The yoke 138 as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 comprises a pair of diverging legsincluding a holding leg having a tooth 152 at the end portion thereofand a follower leg 154 having a semi-circular projection 156 at the endportion thereof. The tooth 152 on the holding leg is adapted onenergization of the solenoid 116a to engage the gear teeth on the ringgear 130 restricting rotation thereof. The projection 156 on thefollower leg 154 is adapted to seat in the indentation 136 along theperiphery of the planet carrier 132 (FIG. 8) when the clutch mechanismis in the disengaged position and to slidably engage the periphery ofthe planet carrier during its rotation when the clutch mechanism isengaged.

I The clutch mechanism and yoke are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in thedisengaged position. On energization of the solenoid 116a in response toactuation of the foot pedal in accordance with the wiring diagramhereinbefo're described, the actuating lever 142 is'pulled downwardly inopposition to the tension spring 146 whereby the shaft 140 and yoke 138thereon is moved in a clockwise direction and during which movement theprojection 156 is withdrawn from the indentation 136 in the planetcarrier and the tooth 152 on the holding arm 15th engages the ring gear131 Engagement of the ring gear 131 by the holding arm 156 causes thesun gear 124 to drive the planet gears and carrier 132 which in turncauses the tubular member 911a and eccentric cam 84a thereon to rotate.If the roll is in raised position, it commences its downward travel.

Before the roll attains the lowered position, the trip limit switch S3as hereinbefore described, is actuated in response to the movement ofthe roll whereby the solenoid 116a is deenergized. However, the tooth152 is maintained in firm "engaging contact with the ring gear 130 bythe coaction between the projection 156 and the periphery of the planetcarrier 132. .After the planet carrier 132 has rotated 180 the biasingforce of the tension spring 146 causesthe projection v156 on thefollower arm to dropinto the opposite indentation 136 on the peripheryof the pinion carrier which concurrently causes a withdrawal of thetooth 152 from the ring gear. Retraction of the holding arm 150 whichreleases the ring gear disengages the clutch and stops" the movement ofthe roll. The indentations 136 on the pinion carrier are indexedrespectively with the high side and low side of the eccentric cam 84a toassure that the roll stops in the appropriate raised or loweredposition.

To assure positive seating of the projection 156 on the follower arm 154in the indentation 136, the eccentric cam 84a is preferably providedwith a flat portion 158 as may be best seen in FIG. 2 along the highside thereof. The coaction between the fiat portion 158 and the springarm 82 serves to bias the eccentric cam to a position wherein the flatspot is substantially parallel to the engaging surface of the spring arm82 so as to prevent any under-travel or over-travel of the tubularmember. This concurrently assures appropriate seating of the projection156 in the indentation 136 in the pinion carrier assuring completewithdrawal of the tooth 152 from the ring gear 1313.

Subsequent actuation of the solenoid 116:: in response to operation ofthe foot pedal causes the holding leg of the yoke 13? to again engagethe ring gear so as to produce a 180 rotation of the eccentric cam.Complete stoppage of the roll when in the lowered position to achieve apressing operation is accomplished by depressing the foot pedal to thepress position as hereinbefore described whereby the electric motor isdeenergized, deactivating the drive mechanism.

Another alternate satisfactory clutch mechanism for achieving selectivemovement of the roll to and from the ironing position and inoperativeposition, is shown in FIGS. 10 through 14-. The, clutch mechanism asshown in these drawings is or" the general type shown in United StatesPatent No. 2,349,014 which is assigned to the same assignee as thepresent invention. The drive provided by the electric motor istransmitted through a suitable gear train to. a gear 169 as shown inFIG. 10 which is rotatably mounted on the shaft 92b extendingtransversely of the housing 46; The gear 160 is provided at its outerface (not shown) with the drive gear 70 which is disposed in constantmeshing relationship with a gear train in accordance with the rollrotation drive mechanism as shown in FIG. 3.

The opposite face of the gear 160 is provided with a series of clutchteeth 162 which are adapted to engage alternate ones of a pair of keysor dogs 164 of the type shown in FIG. 11 whereby the eccentric cam 8% iscaused to rotate The tubular body member WI) on which the eccentric cam84a is mounted, is provided with a flange 166 at the end adjacent to thegear 16%) which is provided with a pair of longitudinal rectangularslots 168 disposed diametrically opposite to each other in which thekeys 164 are slidably disposed. Adjacent to the flange 166 is acylindrical step portion. 179 on which a cam ring 172 is slidablydisposed and restrained from rotation by means of attachment to astationary part of the housing. The cam ring 172 as may be best seen inFIG. 13 includes a recessed surface 172a and a raised surface 172kinterconnected at one of their ends by a cam surface 1720 and at theother by a drop-off surface 172d. Each of the keys 164 includes anengaging portion 164a and a cam portion 1%.) which is adapted to coactwith the cam surface 1720 on the cam ring so as to retract the key fromengagement with the clutch teeth 162.

A metal ring 174 is disposed adjacent to the cam ring 172 and isprovided with tongues 174a which overlie a stepped portion of thetubular body member Nib restricting axial movement thereof toward theflange 166. Axial biasing of the key 164 to ward the clutch teeth 162 isachieved by a garter spring 1'76 which surrounds the tubular body'memberand overlies the outward projecting end portions of the keys 164 as maybe best seen in FIGS. 10 and 12.

The clutch mechanism is'shown in'FlG. 10 in the dis engaged position andone of the keys 164 thereof is maintained in the retracted position bymeans of a vertically a pair of inwardly projecting the cam portion 1720of movable rod 178 having the shank end portion thereof disposed betweenthe cam end portion 16412 of the key and the recessed surface 17 of thecam ring 17 2. Downward retraction of the rod 178 enables the resilientbiasing force of the garter spring 176 to axially advance the key sothat its engaging portion 164a is disposed in engaging relationship withthe clutch teeth 162. Retraction of the rod 17 8 is achieved by asolenoid 116b as shown in phantom in FIG. 10 in response to actuation ofthe foot pedal as hereinbefore described.

The release of the key 164 when the rod 178 is retracted causes theclutch mechanism to engage and remain in engagement for one-halfrevolution of the eccentric cam 84b until the cam end portion 1641') ofthe key strikes the cam ring as may be best seen in FIG. 12 whereby thekey is withdrawn to the retracted position in opposition to the garterspring 176 and is maintained in the retracted position through thecoaction of the raised surface 172!) and the cam portion 164!) of thekey. During the 180 rotation of the eccentric ca'm 84b, the other of thekeys 164 is advanced along the raised surface 172]) of the cam ring andrides off the drop-off surface 172d and comes to rest against theprojecting end portion of the actuator rod 178, which has beenreinserted into the position shown in FIG. 10 on deenergization of thesolenoid 1161'). Subsequent actuation of the solenoid 116bprovides foranother 180 rotation of the eccentric cam 84b causing movement of theroll from the raised position to the ironing position or vice versa.

In order to assure positive withdrawal of the key 164 from the clutchteeth 162 it is preferred that the eccentric cam 84b is provided with anarcuate portion 18%) as shown in FIG. 14 which is concentric with theshaft 92b providing no relative movement of the spring arm andresilently urged into engagement with the clutch teeth 184 by means of afork spring 122 which provides the same function as the garter spring176 in the clutch mechanism previously described. The flanged portion186 is provided with a cam ring 194 as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 16,which is restrained from rotation by being secured to the stationaryhousing and includes a recessed portion and raised portion connected bya cam surface similar to the cam ring 172 shown in FIG. 13. Each of thestep keys 1% is provided with a-cam end portion 111%: of a configurationsimilar'to the cam end portion 1164b of-the key 164' shown in FIG. 11.

The clutch mechanism is shown in FIG. 15 in the disengaged positionwherein the cam end portion 190a of the step key 1% is engaged by a tripblade 196 which maintains the key in the retracted position inopposition to the biasing force of the fork spring 192. The trip blade196 is affixed to the end of a shaft 1% which is roearn follower 86athereon whereby a slight degree of over-travel is provided. The slightdegree of over-travel thus provided is effective to assure that the camend portion 164!) of the key 164; is lifted by the cam surface 1720 tothe raised surface 17217 of the cam ring, thereby assuring adequateclearance between the engaging end 164a of the key and the clutch teeth162.

In accordance with the clutch mechanism shown in FIGS. 10 to 14, eachtime the rod 178 is retracted, the tubular member 9% and eccentric cam84b thereon is rotated through an arcuate movement of 180. The triplimit switch which is actuable in response to the movement of the rollis operative to deenergize the solenoid 116!) beforethe complete 180revolution of the eccentric cam is achieved whereby the actuator rod 178is projected upwardly by suitable resilient means, for example, toreceive the next key and maintain it in the retracted position toprevent a repeat of the cycle until the foot control pedal is againactuated.

'vention. The clutch mechanism as may be best seen in FIG. 15 includes agear 180 mounted on a tubular spindle 182 which is freely rotatable on ashaft 92c extending transversely of the housing 46. The right end of thetubular spindle 182 as viewed in FIG. 15 is provided with the drive gear71 in accordance with the roll rotation drive mechanism as shown in FIG.3. The opposite face of .the gear 180 is; provided with a series ofclutch teeth 184 which are disposed adjacent to a flanged portion 186 ofthe tubular member 900 on which the eccentric cam 8 is mounted. Theflanged portion 186 is provided with two longitudinal slots 188 alongthe periphery thereof and disposed 180 from each other. A step key 1% isslidably disposed in each of the slots 188 and is tatably journaled inthe side wall of the housing 46 to the end portion of which, projectingbeyond the housing, an actuating lever 201 is secured. The end of theactuating lever 2% as may be best seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, is connectedto a plunger 202 of a solenoid 1160, which is resiliently biased to aprojected position by means of a tension spring 203.

Actuation of the solenoid 1160 in response to movement of the foot pedalcauses the plunger 202 to be retracted whereby the actuating lever 200,the shaft 198, and the trip blade 1% are moved in a counterclockwisedirection as viewed in FIG. 16 whereby the projecting end portion of thetrip blade is withdrawn from the cam end portion 190a of the step keyenabling the key to move axially into engaging relationship with theclutch teeth 184. Upon engagement of the step key 19 0 with the clutchteeth 184, the tubular member 900 and eccentric earn 840 thereon arerotated through an arcuate movement of at which point the step'key isagain withdrawn to the retracted position by the cam ring 194. Prior tothe completion of 180 travel of the tubular member, the solenoid 1166'is deenergized by the tripping of the trip limit switch S3 whereby thetension spring 203 is effective to cause clockwise rotation of the tripblade 196 into locking position so as to receive the other step key andprevent its projecting travel into engagement with the 1% providing foranother 180 rotation of the eccentric earn 840.

To assure positive retraction of the engaging end portion of the stepkey at the conclusion of 180 travel of a clutch mechanism, the eccentriccam 84c as shown in FIG. 17 can be provided with a slight indentation204 along the high side thereof which, through the coaction of the camfollower 860 provides for a slight camming over-travel of the eccentriccam assuring complete withdrawal of the key from the clutch teeth. Theinclusion of the indentation 204 along the periphery of the eccentriccam 840 is an alternate satisfactory embodiment which can be employed inlieu of the arcuate surface 180 along the high side of the eccentric camas shown in FIG. 1

An exemplary relationship between the trip limit switch S3 and theposition of the roll is illustrated in FIG. 16. The trip limit switch S3is provided with an actuator lever 206 which is adapted to be contactedby a pin 208 or other suitable cam amxed to the tube 48 and movablethereby in response to movement of the roll to and from the raisedposition and the ironing position. The com ponents are illustrated inFIG. 16 with the roll in the lowered position wherein the pin 2118is'disposed in tripping relationship against the actuating lever 206 ofthe switch S3. Since, in accordance with the wiring circuitry limitswitch S3 is effective to deenergize the motor'which s earer l l in turndeactivates the drive mechanism the relative disposition of the triplimit switch S3 and the pin 208 must be controlled so that the drivemechanism is deenergized at a point coinciding with the point at whichthe roll attains the raised position.

While this relationship is not critical to the satisfactory operation ofthe control mechanism comprising the present invention the relationshipis preferred in view of the fact that if the roll is stopped prior toattaining the fully raised position, on subsequent energization of thedrive mechanism in response to operation of the foot pedal, the rollmust first complete its upward travel before commencing its downwardmovement.

Two alternate satisfactory mechanisms for actuating the trip limitswitch S3 are illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23. The actuation of the triplimit switch S3 as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is achieved in response tothe position of the eccentric cam 84.

In the mechanism illustrated in FIG. 22, the eccentric cam 84 isprovided with a chamfer 210 extending along the side surface thereofwhich is adapted to coact with a resiliently biased plunger 212 slidablydisposed in the side wall of the housing 46. The inward portion oftheplunger 212 is disposed in abutting relationship with a trip button214 of the switch S3. Accordingly, rotation of the eccentric cam 84 fromthe position shown in solid lines in FIG. 22 to the position shown inphantom, is effective to cause a tripping of the trip limit switch S3.

The mechanism illustrated in FIG. 23 also is effective to actuate thetrip limit switch S3 responsive to the movement of the eccentric cam 84.In the arrangement as shown in FIG. 23, a resiliently biased followerrod 216 is positioned in substantially radial alignment with theeccentric cam 84. The rod 216 is disposed in sliding relationship in abore 218 in the housing frame 46. Rotation of the eccentric cam 44 fromthe position shown in solid lines in FIG. 23 to the position shown inphantom is effective to depress the rod 216 whereby the lower projectingend thereof contacts and depresses the tripping lever 206 of the triplimit switch S3 which is effective in accordance with the circuitryhereinbefore described to deenergize the solenoid. In the trippingmechanisms shown in FIGS. 22 and, 23, the relationship between theposition of the eccentric cam 84 and the release of the trip switch S3is achieved at a point substantially coinciding with the point at whichthe roll attains the fully raised position or a point just prior to thatposition.

Yet still another alternate satisfactory clutch mechanism to which thepresent invention is applicable, is illus trated in FIGS. 18 to 21 whichcomprises an adaptation and simplification of the clutch mechanismdescribed in detail in United States Patent No. 2,851,800 which isassigned to the same assignee as the present invention. The clutchmechanism as shown in these drawings is driven by a gear similar to gear1861 shown in FIG. 15-

having a series of clutch teeth such as clutch teeth 184 on one facethereof adjacent to the clutch mechanism. Rotation of the tubular member96d and the eccentric cam 84d thereon through arcuate movements of 180to effect a raising and lowering of the roll, is accomplished by a pairof longitudinally slidable keys 2180, 218b which are selectivelyengageable in the clutch teeth. The specific components of the clutchmechanism as may be best seen in FIG. 19 includes -a tubular member 99dwhich is freely rotatable on a transverse shaft 92dextendingtransversely of the housing 46 as hereinbefore shown anddescribed. A thin shank portion 226 of the tubular member 9% is adaptedto receive the eccentric cam 844 which is fixedly secured thereon suchas by splines or the like. A flanged end portion of the tubularmember9iid is provided with a series of stepped surfaces 224, 225, 226.Along diametrically opposite sides of the flanged end portion 222, apair of longitudinal'rectangw lar slots 23%) extend in which the keys218a; 2185 are adapted to be slidably disposed. Each of the keys 218a,

21% are provided with a head portion 232 and a tail portion 234. Thekeys 218a, 21th are of a. length such that when positioned in the slots236 with the head portions 232 positioned outwardly of and adjacent tothe inner end of the slots 230, the tail portions 234 are within theopposite ends of the slots 230. A forked spring (not shown) is adaptedto contact the projecting head portions of the keys 218a, 2181)constantly biasing them toward the projected or engaged position.

A trigger ring 236 is rotatably mounted on the step rface 225 and isprovided with a radially projecting ear 8, which is adapted to beengaged by an actuator rod d) which is slidably disposed in a boss 242in the housing ame 46 as shown in FIG. 18. The trigger ring 236 is'ovided with a recessed portion 244 in which a projecting tang 246 of acam ring 248 is disposed. The cam ring 2414? is slidably mounted on thestep surface 224 and 44 \J is restrained from rotation by coaction ofthe tang 245 with a stationary part of the hous ng.

The cam ring 248 is provided with a recessed surface 25% and a raisedsurface 252 connected by a cam surface 254. The trigger ring 236 and camring 248 are maintained in appropriate positionon the tubular bodymember 96d by means of a retainer disk 256 and a bushing 258.

The assembled clutch assembly is shown in the normal or disengagedposition in FIG. 20, wherein the keys 218a, 218i) are fully retractedand disposed out of engagement with the clutch teeth on the adjacentgear. In that position the rod 243 is retracted by means of a coilspring 266 and a piunger 262 of a solenoid 116d connected thereto isalso retracted. The key 218a as shown in FIG. 20 is maintained in theretracted position through the coaction between the tail portion 234 andthe raised surface 264 of the trigger ring 236. The key 218b ismaintained in the retracted position by means of the raised surface 252of the cam ring 248.

On actuation of the solenoid 116d, the plunger 262 thereof is moved tothe projected position in opposition to the biasing force of thecompression coil spring 26%) whereby the trigger ring 236 is moved fromthe position shown in FIG. 20 to the position shown in FIG. 21. Rotationof the trigger ring 236 to the position shown in FIG. 21 releases thekey 218a from the raised surface 264 of the trigger ring whereby thehead portion 232 thereof is biased outwardly and into engagement withthe clutch teeth of the adjacent gear. Accordingly, the tubular memberin. commences rotation through an arcuate iovement of until the tailportion 232 of the engaging key 218a contacts the cam surface 254 of thecam ring 248 which causes the key 218:: to be Withdrawn to the retractedposition.

Prior to completion of the 180 rotation of the tubular member 9W1, thesolenoid 116d is deactuated on the tripping or release of the trip limitswitch S3 whereby the rod is retracted by means of the coil spring 260to the inoperative position whereby the trigger ring 236 is rotated fromthe position shown in FIG; 21 back to the position shown in FIG. 20.Accordingly, the tail portion of the key 2185 when it revolves to theposition formerly occupied by the key 218a is restrained in theretracted position by the raised surface 264 of the trigger ring 236.The rotation of the tubular member MM is effective to cause a 186rotation of the eccentric cam 84d whereby the ironing roll is moved fromthe raised position as shown in phantom inFIG. 18 to the loweredposition as shown in solid lines. Subsequent actuation of the'solenoidild in-response to operation of the foot pedal is effective toagain cause the tubular member 90d to undergo .a 180 rotation wherebythe roll is again raised fromthe ironing position to the raisedposition.

While it will be apparent that the embodiments of the invention hereindisclosed are well calculated to fulfill the objects of the invention,it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible tomodification, variation and "tiver position spaced therefrom,

' ber coacting wiht said roll s'aid'iro'ning and said inoperativepositions on movement of said rotatablememb'e'r to and from afirst-position and "greater 13 change without departing from the properscope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.

What is claimed is: 1. In an ironing machine the combination comprisinga shoe and a rotatable roll movable to and from an ironing position inengagement with said shoe and an inoperative position spaced therefrom,and an operating mechanism for providing selective movement and rotationof said roll, said operating mechanism comprising a drive mechanismincluding motor means drivingly connected to said roll for rotationthereof, a rotatable member coacting with said roll for movement thereofbetween said ironing and said inoperative positions on movement of saidrotatable member to and from a first position and a second position,coupling means interposed between said drive mechanism and saidrotatable member for driving said rotatable member on engagement of saidcoupling means to and from said first position and said second position,engaging means operable to engage said coupling means to said drivemechanism, first control means selectively actuable by the operator forenergizing said engaging means, trip means operable responsive tomovement of said roll to deenergize said engaging means enablingdisengagement of said coupling means when said rotatable member attainssaid first and said second posi- "tions and for deenergizing said motormeans when said roll attains said inoperative position, and secondcontrol means selectively operable to deenergize said motor means forstopping rotation of said roll when in said ironing position providingtherewith a press operation.

2. In an ironing machine the combination comprising a shoe and arotatable roll movable to and from an ironing position in engagementwith said shoe and an inoperative position spaced therefrom, and anoperating mechanism for providing selective movement and rotation ofsaid roll, said operating mechanism comprising a drive mechanismincluding motor means drivingly connected to said roll for rotationthereof, a rotatable member coacting with said roll for movement thereofbetween said ironing and said inoperative positions on movement of saidrotatable member to and from a first position and a second position,coupling means interposed between said drive mechanism and saidrotatable member fordriving said rotatable member on engagement of saidcoupling means to and from said first position and said second position,

engaging means operable to engage said coupling means to said drivemechanism, foot control means selectively "operable by the operatorand'including first control means and second control means, said firstcontrol means operable to selectively energize said engaging means forengaging said coupling means, trip means operable responsive to"movement of said roll to deenergize "said engaging means enablingdisengagement of said coupling means when said rotatable member attainssaid first and said second positions and for deener'gizing said motormeans when said roll attains said inoperative position, said secondcontrol means selectively operable to deenergize said motor means forstopping the rotation of said roll when in said ironing positionproviding therewith a press operation.

3. In an ironing machine, the combination comprising a shoe and arotatable roll movable to and from an ironsaid shoe and an inoperaand anoperating mech anism for providing selective movement and the rotationing position in engagement with of said roll, said operatingmechanisntcotnprising a drive mechanism including motor means drivinglyconnected to said roll for rotation there'o'flffia rotatable momformovement thereof between a second position, coupling means interposedbetweensaid drive rn'echanism-and'said rotatable member for driving"said rotatable member on selective engagement on said coupling means toand from said first and said-second actuator associated with fortripping said trip switch and deenergizing said solenoid enablingdisengagement of said coupling means when positions, a control systemincluding a foot pedal incorsaid motor means for stopping rotation ofsaid roll when in said ironing position providing therewith a pressoperation.

' 4. In an ironing machine, the combination comprising a shoe and arotatable roll movable to and from an ironing position in engagementwith said shoe and an inoperative position spaced therefrom, and anoperating mechanism for providing selective movement and the rotation ofsaid roll, said operating mechanism comprising a drive mechanismincluding motor means drivingly connected to said roll for rotationthereof, a rotatable member coacting with said roll for movement thereofbetween said ironing and said inoperative positions on movement of saidrotatable member to and from a first position and a second position,coupling means interposed between said drive mechanism and saidrotatable member for driving said rotatable member on selectiveengagement on said coupling means to and from said first and said secondpositions, a control system including a foot pedal incorporating a firstand a second electrical switch means therein selectively actuable by theoperator, engaging -means including a solenoid operable in response toenergization by said first switch means to engage said coupling means, atrip switch disposed adjacent to said roll, an said roll and movablethereby said roll attains said ironing and said inoperative positionsand for deenergizin'g said motor means when said roll i attains saidinoperative position, said second switch means in said foot pedaloperable to deenergize said motor means operator, engaging. v.i'nrresponse to 'energization for stopping rotation of saidroll when in saidironing position providing therewith a press operation.

5. In an ironing machine, the combination comprising a shoe and arotatable roll movable to and from an ironing'position in engagementwith said shoe and an inoperative position spaced therefrom, and anoperating mechanism for providing selective movement and the rotation ofsaid roll, said operating mechanism comprising a drive mechanismincluding motor means drivingly vconnected to said roll for rotationthereof, a rotatable .member coacting with said roll for movementthereof between said ironing and said inoperative positions on movementof said rotatable member to and from a first position and-a secondposition, coupling means, interposed between said drive mechanism andsaid rotatable member for driving said rotatable member on selectiveengagement on said coupling means to and from said first and said secondpositions, a control system including afoot pedal incorporating a firstand a second electrical switch means therein selectively actuable by themeans including a solenoid operable by said first switch means to engagesaid coupling means, a trip switch disposed adja- -cent said rotatablemember, actuator means extending between said rotatable member and saidtrip switch and movable responsive to rotation of the said rotatablemember for deenergizing said solenoid enabling engagement of the saidcoupling means, when said rotatable member attains said first and saidsecond positions and for deenergizingsaid motor means when said rollattains said inoperative position, said second switch means in said 7-5footpedal operable to deenergize said motor means for stopping rotationof said roll when in said ironing position providing therewith apressing operation.

6. In an ironing machine, the combination comprising a frame, astationary shoe on said frame, a rotatable roll mounted on said frameand movable to and from an ironing position in engagement with said shoeand an inoperative position spaced therefrom, motor means on said frame,drive means drivingly connected to said motor means and said roll forrotation thereof, a rotatable cam on said frame, an arm associated withsaid roll and coacting with said cam for movement of said roll to andfrom said ironing position and said inoperative position responsive torotation of said cam to and from a first position and a second position,a clutch interposed between said cam and said drive means forselectively rotating said cam to and from said first and secondpositions, said clutch comprising a planet gear positioned in mesh witha sun gear drivin ly connected to said drive means, a ring gearconcentric with said sun gear and meshing with said planet gear, acarrier for said planet gear connected to said cam, and engaging meansfor selectively restraining said ring gear to provide for selectiverotation of said cam between said positions, control means includingfirst switch means and second switch means selectively operable by anoperator, electrical actuating means connected to said engaging meansand energizable in response to actuation of said first switch means forengaging said clutch, trip switch means operaable responsive to movementof said roll for deenergizing said actuating means enablingdisengagement of said clutch when said cam attains said first and saidsecond positions and for deenergizing said motor means when said rollattains said inoperative position, said second switch means selectivelyoperable to deenergize said motor means for stopping rotation of saidroll when in said ironing position providing therewith a pressoperation.

7. In an ironing machine, the combination comprising a frame, astationary shoe on said frame, a rotatable roll mounted on said frameand movable to and from an ironing position in engagement with said shoeand an inoperative position spaced therefrom, motor means on said frame,drive means drivingly connected to said motor means and said roll forrotation thereof, a rotat able :cam on said frame, an arm associatedwith said roll and coacting with said cam for movement of said roll toand from said ironing position and said inoperative position responsiveto rotation of said cam to and from a first position and a secondposition, a clutch interposed between said cam and said drive means forselectively rotating said cam to and from said first and said secondposition, said clutch comprising aclutch body afiixed to said cam andhaving a pair of diametrically disposed axial slots along the peripherythereof, a pair of keys slidably disposed in said slots, a stationarycam ring surrounding said body and provided with means for withdrawingand holding said keys from engagement during one-half revolution of thesaid body, spring means biasing said keys toward engagement with clutchteeth on said drive means disposed adjacent to said body and engagingmeans for selectively retaining one of said keys from engagement withsaid clutch teeth while the other ofv said keys is maintained out ofengagement by said cam ring, control means including first switch meansand second switch means selectively operable by an operator, electricalactuating means connected to said engaging means and energizable inresponse to actuation of said first switch means for for deenergizingsaid actuating means enabling disengagement of said clutch andwithdrawal of one of said keys by said cam ring when said roll attainssaid inoperative releasing one of, said keys and engaging said clutchteeth adjacent. thereto, trip switch -means operable responsive to themovement of said roll gize said motor means for stopping rotation ofsaid roll when in said ironing position providing therewith a pressoperation.

8. In an ironing machine, the combination comprising a frame, astationary shoe on said frame, a rotatable roll mounted on said frameand movable to and from an ironing position in engagement with said shoeand an inoperative position spaced therefrom, motor means on said frame,drive means drivingly connected to said motor means and said roll forrotation thereof, a rotatable cam on said frame, an arm associated withsaid roll and coacting with said cam for movement of said roll to andfromtsaid ironing position and said inoperative position responsive torotation of said cam to and from a first position and a second position,a clutch interposed between said cam and said drive means forselectively rotating said cam to and from said first and said secondpositions, said clutch comprising a rotatable clutch body on which saidcam is fixedly secured and rotatable therewith, a pair of key membersdisposed in axial sliding relationship on said clutch body and biasedtoward a position projected from one end thereof and in engagement withsaid drive means, a stationary cam ring positioned about said clutchbody for selective engagement with said key members to move said keymembers inwardly of said projected positions, and a trigger ringpositioned about said cam ring and movable between a stop positioncooperating with said cam ring to maintain said key members retractedand a release position in clearance relation with one of said keymembers for movement of said keymember to said projected position and inengagement with said drive means, control means including first switchmeans and second switch means selectively operable by an operator,electrical actu ating means connected to said tri ger ring andenergizable in response to actuation of said first switch means forreleasing one of said keys to said projected position, trip switch meansoperable responsive to movement of said roll for deenergizing saidactuating means enabling retraction of said key by said cam ring whensaid roll attains said inoperative position and said ironing positionand for deenergizing said motor means when said roll attains saidinoperative position, said second switch means selectively operable todeenergize said motor means for stopping rotation of said roll when insaid ironing position providing therewith a press operation.

9. In an ironing machine, the combination comprising a shoe and arotatable roll movable to and from an ironing position in engagementwith the shoe and an inoperative position spaced therefrom, an eccentriccam rotatably mounted adjacent said roll for rotation about an axissubstantially parallel to the axis of said roll, an arm extending fromsaidroll and disposed in sliding contact against the periphery of saidcam for movement of said roll to and from said ironing position and saidinoperative position as said cam is rotated to a corresponding firstposition and second position respectively, coupling means forselectively connecting said cam to a drive mechanism, electricalactuating means operative responsive to switch means for engaging saidcoupling means to said drive mechanism, trip means for deenergizing saidactuating means responsiveto movement of said roll enablingdisengagement of said coupling means when said cam attains said firstand said second positions, said cam provided with a flat surface alongthe periphery thereof adapted to coact with said arm and bias said camtoward said first position thereby assuring appropriate index of saidcam relative to said roll. I

10. In an ironing machine, the combination comprising a shoe and arotatable roll movable to and from an ironing position in engagementwith'the shoe and an inopera tive position spacedttherefrom, aneccentric cam rotatably mounted adjacentsaid roll for rotation about anaxis substantially parallel to the axis of said roll, an arm extendingfrom said roll andincluding a cam follower thereon 17 disposed inbearing contact against the periphery of said cam for movement of saidroll to and from said ironing position and said inoperative position assaid cam is rotated to a corresponding first position and secondposition respectively, coupling means for selectively connecting saidcam to a drive mechanism, electrical actuating means operativeresponsive to switch means for engaging said coupling means to saiddrive mechanism, trip means for deenergizing said actuating meansresponsive to movement of said roll enabling disengagement of saidcoupling means when said cam attains said first and said secondposition, said cam provided with an indentation along the peripherythereof adapted to coact with said cam follower on said cam arm and biassaid cam toward said first position thereby assuring appropriate indexof said cam relative said roll.

11. In an ironing machine, the combination comprising a shoe and arotatable roll movable to and from an ironing position in engagementwith the shoe and an inoperative position spaced therefrom, an eccentriccam rotatably mounted adjacent said roll for rotation about an axissubstantially parallel to the axis of said roll, an armextending fromsaid roll and disposed in sliding contact against the periphery of saidcam for movement of said roll to sition and said inoperative posid to acorresponding first position and second position respectively, couplingmeans for selectively connecting said cam to a drive mechanism,electrical actuating means operative responsive to switch means forengaging said coupling means to said drive mechanism, trip means fordeenergizing said actuating means responsive to movement of said rollenabling disengagement of said coupling means when said cam attains saidfirst and said second position, said cam provided with an arcuatesurface along a portion of the periphery thereof concentric to the axisof rotation of the said cam and adapted to coact with said arm when saidcam is in said first position avoiding radial movement of said arrnrelative to said cam and thereby providing for slight over-travel ofsaid cam on disengagement of said coupling means assuring positivedisengagement thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS andfrom said ironing p0 tion as said cam is rotate 1,994,910 Emery Mar. 19,1935 2,067,719 McCabe Jan. 12, 1937 2,175,086 Mitchell Oct. 3, 19392,583,685 Davis Jan. 29, 1952

1. IN AN IRONING MACHINE THE COMBINATION COMPRISING A SHOE AND AROTATABLE ROLL MOVABLE TO AND FROM AN IRONING POSITION IN ENGAGEMENTWITH SAID SHOE AND AN INOPERATIVE POSITION SPACED THEREFROM, AND ANOPERATING MECHANISM FOR PROVIDING SELECTIVE MOVEMENT AND ROTATION OFSAID ROLL, SAID OPERATING MECHANISM COMPRISING A DRIVE MECHANISMINCLUDING MOTOR MEANS DRIVINGLY CONNECTED TO SAID ROLL FOR ROTATIONTHEREOF, A ROTATABLE MEMBER COACTING WITH SAID ROLL FOR MOVEMENT THEREOFBETWEEN SAID IRONING AND SAID INOPERATIVE POSITIONS ON MOVEMENT OF SAIDROTATABLE MEMBER TO AND FROM A FIRST POSITION AND A SECOND POSITION,COUPLING MEANS INTERPOSED BETWEEN SAID DRIVE MECHANISM AND SAIDROTATABLE MEMBER FOR DRIVING SAID ROTATABLE MEMBER ON ENGAGEMENT OF SAIDCOUPLING MEANS TO AND FROM SAID FIRST POSITION AND SAID SECOND POSITION,ENGAGING MEANS OPERABLE TO ENGAGE SAID COUPLING MEANS TO SAID DRIVEMECHANISM, FIRST CONTROL MEANS SELECTIVELY ACTUABLE BY THE OPERATOR FORENERGIZING SAID ENGAGING MEANS, TRIP MEANS OPERABLE RESPONSIVE TOMOVEMENT OF SAID ROLL TO DEENERGIZE SAID ENGAGING MEANS ENABLINGDISENGAGEMENT OF SAID COUPLING MEANS WHEN SAID ROTATABLE MEMBER ATTAINSSAID FIRST AND SAID SECOND POSITIONS AND FOR DEENERGIZING SAID MOTORMEANS WHEN SAID ROLL ATTAINS SAID INOPERATIVE POSITION, AND SECONDCONTROL MEANS SELECTIVELY OPERABLE TO DEENERGIZE SAID MOTOR MEANS FORSTOPPING ROTATION OF SAID ROLL WHEN IN SAID IRONING POSITION PROVIDINGTHEREWITH A PRESS OPERATION.